USED Skoda Fabia Estate (00 - 07)

My car

If you go for the top-of-the-range Elegance, you get a lot for your money. With the roof rails, tinted glass and alloy wheels of this spec, the car begins to look like a much more expensive car externally.

You could even start to compare it with much more costly rivals.

Internally, however, the plastics reign and this, in my opinion, is the only thing that holds it back. The engine certainly doesn't hold it back. The 1.4 TDI is nippy enough but, if you go for the 1.9 TDI, you know you're in a whole different class and you can start to really have some fun. It holds the road well and the seats and driving position fit like a glove.

It's a small thing, but the tacky-looking rear view mirror is sad, as are the next-to-useless door storage pockets. In fact, storage is pretty woeful on the whole. I tried to imagine where I would put a pair of sunglasses and failed. So if nooks and crannies are important to you, this car will disappoint.

However, I'm sufficiently impressed overall to be thinking about trading my Mercedes in for one in the near future.

My car

She has been as good as I hoped for. Brisk - very brisk when required. No need to stop for fuel very often. South of France last year, 55 M.P.G. @ steady 90 M.P.H. BRILL !!

My car

I have owned my car for just one year and have covered 20,000 miles, and the car 50,000 miles.

I would buy another Skoda. They're BRILLIANT and very good value for money.

Skoda has come a long way, and will always be on my shopping list. They are no longer a joke.

My car

I have owned the 1.9 TDI for over three years and it is a wonderful car to drive. It achieves great fuel consumption, has outstanding mid-range pull and the estate has loads of room for my two large dogs. My next car will be one of the same.